The basis of the course lies in lectures accompanied by a seminar based on students´ required readings that will be uploaded into the Moodle system. The final two lectures will present students´ own research that should enhance their understanding of the domain´s many characteristics.

1) Introduction

Course introduction, terminology

2) History

History of space travel and space international relations

3) Physical context

Physical limits to launch and movement, role of gravity, orbital movement, environmental impacts

4) Theoretical perspectives

From geopolitics to astropolitics, applicability of terrestrial theories in outer space

5) Outer space, economy, society

Space economy, developmental role of space services

6) Dual-use technologies, orbital debris

Dual-use nature of technologies, case of orbital debris mitigation and RPOs

7) War, security, space

Role of space in war, space applications and terrestrial security

8) Motivations and capacities of space actors

Actors, motivations, capacities

9) Celestial bodies – Moon

Geography of the Moon, importance, future scenarios

10) Celestial bodies – Mars, asteroids, other smaller objects

Geography of Mars and smaller bodies, importance, future scenarios

11) Student presentations

12) Student presentations